Overview
Family law covers marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody, guardianship, parentage and matrimonial property, mainly under the Turkish Civil Code No. 4721. These disputes affect not only the spouses’ personal and financial circumstances but also children’s rights and futures.
International families face additional questions: which law applies, which court has jurisdiction, and how foreign judgments are recognised in Türkiye. Each case is assessed on its facts, the parties’ requests and the available evidence.
What we handle
Divorce
Uncontested divorce requires at least one year of marriage, a protocol on financial matters and the children, and the judge hearing both spouses in person. In contested divorce, grounds, fault, alimony, custody and damages are decided by the court.
Custody and contact
Custody is decided in the child’s best interests, often with an expert social report. Custody may later be changed, and contact arrangements regulated.
Alimony and child support
Interim maintenance during proceedings, child support, post-divorce maintenance for a spouse who would fall into poverty, and family support; amounts can later be increased, reduced or ended.
Matrimonial property
For assets acquired after 1 January 2002, the default regime is participation in acquired property; personal assets, inheritance and gifts are excluded. Claims for participation, value increase and contribution are assessed.
Wedding jewellery and household goods
Claims for return of wedding gold and personal or household items, depending on ownership and evidence.
Recognition of foreign judgments
A foreign divorce must be recognised (and if necessary enforced) to be registered in Türkiye; some can be registered administratively.
How the process works
Priorities
Children, home, income and assets; any urgent protective measure or interim maintenance.
Possibility of agreement
A protocol covering custody, contact, maintenance and property where agreement is possible.
Court process
Otherwise a contested case: evidence, witnesses and social reports.
After the judgment
Liquidation of matrimonial property, jewellery claims, changes to maintenance and enforcement.
Before your meeting
Bring originals or legible copies of whichever of the following you have. You don’t need everything — missing items are identified together.
- Civil registry records and marriage certificate
- Any prenuptial or matrimonial property agreement
- Title deed, vehicle and bank records of assets
- Proof of income
- Information on the children’s schooling, health and care
- Foreign documents with apostille and translation
Key deadlines
| Matter | Period | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage duration for uncontested divorce | At least 1 year | Date of marriage |
| Damages and maintenance after divorce | 1 year | Finality of the divorce |
| Matrimonial property claims | 10 years | Finality of the divorce |
These are general rules; special provisions or a different starting date may apply in a particular case. It is best to have the deadline assessed on the day you receive a notification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the conditions for an uncontested divorce?
At least one year of marriage, a joint application (or acceptance of the other spouse’s petition), the judge hearing both spouses in person, and the judge approving the arrangements on finances and children.
How is custody decided?
By the child’s best interests: age, schooling and health, relationship with each parent, living conditions and, where mature enough, the child’s own views — usually with an expert report.
I divorced abroad. Is it valid in Türkiye?
To be registered in Turkish civil records, the foreign judgment must be recognised; some can be registered administratively at the civil registry. An apostilled copy and certified translation are needed.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of outcome or an undertaking in respect of any specific matter. Periods and amounts are subject to change by legislation.
